In this part of Library Skills Online you will learn how to formally cite publications and to recognise the various elements included in references for books, journal articles and electronic resources.

The examples shown represent two citation styles, the American Psychological Association style (known as APA) and the Harvard or Author-Date system.

However, different schools and faculties of La Trobe University use other citation styles. Check with your lecturer to establish which style your school uses. There are various style guides available as a link from the Library website. The Law School uses the Australian Guide to Legal Citation and there is a separate tutorial on Citing the Law: AGCL2 available, created by the law librarian, Dennis Warren.

Whichever style is used, the most important thing is to be consistent and accurate when citing references.